CII and WMG sign MoU to further higher education in India

Confederation of Indian Industry and Warwick Manufacturing Group of the University of Warwick today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to continue programmes for training of practicing managers and to develop internship programmes for them.

Speaking on 8th October 2007 at a Session titled “Emerging Trends in Higher Education – India as a Knowledge Partner”, organised on the occasion of signing the MoU, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Nigel Thrift, University of Warwick, said: “We have an excellent partnership with CII which has benefited many companies and individuals from manufacturing companies. We are committed to further this university industry collaboration which can become mutually beneficial.”

Speaking on the occasion, Professor Lord Bhattacharyya, Warwick Manufacturing Group, said: “India has a lot of fertile minds, staggering growth and the world respects the country. While India has a huge amount of talent, the country is lacking in technical education which is where China has an upper hand.” This is what is ailing India’s higher education system and needs correction.

Lord Bhattacharya further added that it was important to have competition in higher education and have balancing measures as practiced by many countries. He was sharing experiences in the UK and Japan.

Responding to a question on constraints on India’s higher education system, Dr K Narayana Rao, Member Secretary, All India Council for Technical Education, said: “We are allowing foreign colleges to start programmes in India and many of the programmes being run by Indian private colleges have also been given licenses.” This would help to ease the talent crunch.

Mr PM Telang, Executive Director, Tata Motors, while speaking on the occasion, shared their case study of a highly beneficial relationship with the Warwick Manufacturing Group. They have a well defined product introduction process which is now being followed across Tata Motors.

Dr Sudhir Kapur, Chairman Technical Education & Training Sub Committee, CII said: “There is a crisis in higher education in India which is no less than what we had in terms of economic growth in 1990. What we need is a bold initiative in higher education similar to that of liberalization in 1990.” An increasing number of Indian students are going abroad not because of the money but more because of the learning environment available in these institutions.

Lt Gen Mehta, Director General, Confederation of Indian Industry said: “The talent crunch can be eased through a better understanding of the situation. Unless education is put in the marketplace supported by a law in place to promote self regulation, this can not happen.” He further added that there was a need to convert this into a nationwide movement.

Notes for editors:

The relationship will also explore the possibility of encompassing employment opportunities for WMG Masters Graduates to meet the recruitment needs of CII Member Companies

Further, under the MoU the two parties will jointly provide expert manpower and access to their activities for promotion of learning and culture related to innovation in various economic activities. The MoU signed by the two organisations is expected to help ease the talent crunch being faced
by India.